The best distance to zero an Ar15 for home defense? 2 reasons your combat zero doesn't matter.

Why the 25/300 yard zero isn't a zero. • Why the 25-300 yard ze...
The best distance to zero an ar 15 for civilian home defense is to zero your ar 15 at a distance in which you can get an accurate zero. This will vary due to skill level of the shooter. I believe we can all agree on an accurate zero.
However, in todays video we will go beyond this fundamental concept. I will walk you through the zero distance ballistics of the most common combat zeros to show you that there is really no appreciable difference between the trajectories at the vast majority of reasonable self defense distances.
The combat zeroes most instructors talk about were developed with an offensive capability in mind and not necessarily practical to the civilian world. The 100 yard zero is mostly advocated by experienced shooters or hunters to provide flatter shooting of bullets from 0 to approximately 200 yards. This zero, however, fails to take into account the shooters skill in obtaining an accurate zero.
I have no disagreement with these trained instructors on what the are advocating for an effective combat zero. I also believe that if you are using an ar 15 for home defense, you should get training from a qualified instructor. The most important part of your defense is the quality of your training and not the particular zero you choose.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Why the 25/300 yard zero isn't a zero. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJfblYqOjZWNiZY

[@dtrfgr]

This is how an instructional video is done! No blaring rock music or guys playing dress-up while shooting for a 10 minute intro. Clear, concise and detailed info. Excellent!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

thank you. glad it was helpful.

[@filtonkingswood]

Agreed 100%

[@PracticalAccuracy]

@@filtonkingswood Thanks for watching

[@jefferystrange7476]

Thank you for the simplicity and practicality in explaining distance for zeroing. Best and easiest to understand I've seen yet. and the trajectory chart included was a great visual aid. 👍

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you and I'm glad it was helpful.

[@paraAA82]

One of the BEST videos about zeroing an AR15. Extremely well explained, concise, and to the point. THANK YOU!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

You are welcome. glad it helped.

[@MikeNaples]

Great info and easy to understand! I had looked all over for the "near zero" for 100 yard zero and now know the near and far zero are the same.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it helped.

[@Ferrari_M5]

I’ve watched dozens of videos on this topic. Yours really put everything into perspective. Awesome e job!!!!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

[@SgtBooker44]

This was best description of “home defense” accuracy I have ever see. Thank You.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

glad it was helpful an d thanks for the comment

[@Jordan-th8ps]

What a great explanation. Far too easy to get caught up in what zero we choose but this puts it into perspective.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. We often make things much harder than they really are. Keep it simple allows us to concentrate on what really matters.

[@JohnDoe-zb7dz]

Best explanation I've seen and I've watched a lot of videos. Especially true with human targets that have a much larger Kill zone, not so much for us squirrel hunters.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching. Glad it helped you.

[@FierceMouse]

One day I'll say I was watching Practical Accuracy way back when it was still a small channel. I will be so hipster!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. More good content to come I hope.

[@snakethepeg7828]

Seethingly jealous, I am

[@MSSynsyterGates]

Great video, great topic and great explanation.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. Just trying to keep it simple and focus on what's important.

[@bighx6099]

I just found your channel and I'm absolutely amazed with your knowledge. No other channel is putting this information out

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you. I'm glad it was helpful. More good video0s to come.

[@dhamilton201]

Great explanation on many points. Thanks

[@calebdoner]

Excellent explanation!

[@jaybirdtapsnracks3460]

Absolutely awesome. Simple, direct, just what I need with no filler.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@brucebanner6149]

Very helpful video, Thank you!

[@cadamsm11]

Nice presentation. I like the 50/200(approx) because, like you mentioned, at home defense range, you can just aim a couple of inches high. Even if you don’t, you’ll probably still hit a vital area. An interesting way to set that zero at an indoor range is to go out 10 yards, make your point of aim 2.1 inches high, and if you hit bullseye, you are very close to a 50 yard zero. I then go to an outdoor range to confirm it works. Then I will go out to 200, where i can get it to hit a 1x1’ plate. So I’m good for home AND relatively short-range hunting.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I too prefer the 50/100 yard zero. thanks for your comment.

[@joshuabeheler9282]

Great explanation. Very easy to understand.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

thank you. glad it helped

[@b.bruster1462]

Excellent stuff mate. Really pleased to see logic

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Much appreciated!

[@bcpowrhse]

Great info!

[@brandonelwell8699]

Thank u for this and God bless brother!

[@DenaWald]

Well done. Thank you for this.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Welcome

[@rj8709]

Good explanation. Making it simple.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@greghudson8263]

Great data and great explanation. 👍

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad you liked it

[@bobpeterson7176]

Good, basic information. Perspective is always a good thing. Perspective backed up by data is a very good thing.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you. Hope it helped.

[@CROSSFIRE_TACTICS_SOFIA]

Great video Andy. Thanks.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you.

[@zachjackovich116]

Amazing video. I appreciate your in depth research here. You’re the man

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I appreciate that!

[@avi614614]

very well explained thank you

[@jonmagnus3510]

Awesome video sir. Thank you for taking the time to explain.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed.

[@markb9896]

Been using the 36 yard zero for a few years now and I am very satisfied with it. Thank you for the vid, I am always looking for more education on zeros.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it helped.

[@jackson102788]

36 Is the way to go

[@RaccoonFederation007]

Great video and amazing information. Thank you very much

[@PracticalAccuracy]

you are welcome

[@davidny4638]

Very good points. Thank you

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching. Hope it was helpful

[@williammorrison11]

Useful, good job

[@bduff5004]

Great explanation. Thanks

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it was helpful! thanks for watching.

[@gmania69]

Great info.

[@CRinJersey]

Very well explained and the dime reference put a solid reality check up

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching and the feedback.

[@microsnook3]

Putting practical in the name. This video is great. Still going to get shots on target essentially no matter which zero you choose. Sure if you're a sniper, it all counts. But for home defense and range days, it's not really a big deal. This helped me not stress so much over which "zero" Im going to choose. Thanks.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it was helpful

[@DesertTactical]

This was a great video. Thanks!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it was helpful.

[@danielaramburo7648]

Excellent video.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you very much!

[@davidholden7331]

Great simplification of the zero distance

[@EagleRun23]

great topic!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching.

[@urfit4292]

Great and applicable info

[@EastTexasOutlaws]

Great information !!!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. Always good to hear from other channels.

[@westloves]

Great vid ❤ thx

[@Surferjo]

ty for the video...

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Welcome

[@boosted2809]

Very well said and explained. Keep the videos coming!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. Will do.

[@scottloftin1730]

Really like this channel

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you. Glad you enjoy.

[@w.t.pstandforyourlife.5639]

Hi, thank you for that beautiful presentation wow thank you for your knowledge You're the best brother thank you so much.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it helped

[@EchoSigma6]

I’m new to the sporting rifle world, I bought my 16” and figured that I needed to zero the sights for the purpose of self defense. I imagine that it’ll be used for distances under 35 yards. This video was helpful for simple perspective and zeroing at 25 yards would probably be easier. Thank you.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

glad it was helpful. thanks for watching

[@99Racker]

Thanks for illustrating something so obvious. Most people will point out the sight offset but don't discuss the zero. Those that discuss zero usually do with a distance target in mind. The common target size at close range is not normally though about. Great point. I do suggest to shooters that at close range with an AR, aim just above where you wish to hit.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching and the comment. I try to access what's really important and present a video in that manner.

[@infiniteslick8824]

I’ve watched several videos looking for one that just gave me the zero that I needed. This is that video. Thanks buddy.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching.

[@tsafa]

Great video. Great Channel

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you very much and for the sub.

[@stick2dapoint88]

@Practical Accuracy, thank you so much for the breakdown. You did an amazing job explaining and it was very helpful.. After watching this, I think a 50yd zero is the "goldilocks" zone, because you'd still have ~2in holdover within home defense distances and it works well for far greater distances (50-200yds) as well.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

If I had to pick one, I would agree with you. Good luck

[@jordanforever2345]

Very informative

[@LKaramazov]

Well done!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. I hope it helped you.

[@RonnieBravo_]

I love whats next to and on top of your safe.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

God Bless.

[@saxmusicmail]

I've used the 50/200 zero for 30+ years. Sure, they are all low at the muzzle and by the same amount. From 25 yds - 220 yds it is about +/-1.5", so just hold on the target and shoot. The 25/300 zero is 6" high in the middle.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I agree. I use the 50/200 as well. Thanks for watching.

[@vincentc2466]

So for strict home defense, choose any zero. For multi purpose most likely gonna be 50

[@matthewconnor5483]

Given that even when hunting it would be very rare to shoot past 100m the 50m zero makes the most sense. Now it you are out west making 300m+ shoots time to get into optics with BDC.

[@SauloHidalgooficial]

You have impressed me. Super easy and flat. Congratulations sir. You are a real teacher and master. God bless you

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks.

[@one-of-us9939]

Thanks bro

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Welcome

[@JEsterline5384]

Finally, some common sense to the zero debate. Thank you.

[@mnrodriguez]

Interesting!

[@mikeyob4271]

Good information, thanks for keeping it kiss. I'm new to the subject, but a good teacher said right your zero on your rifle. Different tools have different zeros. An know your hold offset at a 100yrds. An in.75,50,25. Thank you,hope you and the family have a good Thanksgiving.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you. you too.

[@charlesludwig9173]

The 25 meter sight in for a 300 meter zero is just awesome for ALL scenarios and since it syncs with a bullet drop compensation function with as issued detachable carry handle sight the battle sight zero can be quickly abandoned for on point aiming on targets out to 600 meters.

[@cstgraphpads2091]

"awesome for ALL scenarios" "a bullet drop compensation function" You're contradicting yourself here. Keep in mind that zero was derived for us with a single barrel length, twist rate, gas system length, and bullet weight

[@donprater6944]

Mine is zeroed at 38 feet because it's the longest line of sight at any point inside my house.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Smart. Thanks for watching.

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

Lol now that's thinking inside the box you might say.

[@6942chuck]

Exactly!!!!👍🏼

[@small-town-southern-man3573]

I hope you never have to engage anyone at 75-100 yards with that 38’ zero. You’ll be extremely high at that range.

[@KIIKAAPOA]

Just aim at their balls lol

[@richardthomas6602]

Good to see these differences put in perspective. Maximum point blank range zero is what I use because it allows me to keep the point of impact within a pre determined size. I use 5 inches.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

that's good too. I was thinking of including that zero, but it is a little harder to understand for some people without making a 25 minute video. lol

[@charliefoxtrot5001]

All these zeros being talked about in this video are maximum point blank range zeros! The intended target area and resulting maximum point blank range differs!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

@@charliefoxtrot5001 true.

[@srooster4410]

as far as having the ability to accurately shoot at distance, i get what you’re saying and agree 100% but i’d rather have the ability and not need it than need it and not have it. 🤷‍♂️

[@andy4907]

I love it! So essentialy as long as it zeroed youre good. If your aim is to hit the target the drop is neglagable. If youre trying to shoot a cigarette outta someones hand it may be a problem.

[@leroyb1876]

Just found your channel and subscribed

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. I hope the video was informative. More content to follow shortly.

[@cbennett6093]

Glad that you made the point of the 300 yd shot of someone on your property. Some people think that it's an instant death sentence for someone who steps onto their property. It's still murder unless that trespasser is a life threatening situation. That's hard to justify if said trespasser is a great distance away and was not calmly confronted first. Inside of your four walls is an entirely different issue.

[@wrasmuss1955]

great way to uderstand zeroing answers all question someone mite have

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thank you. I'm glad it helped.

[@mikebeddingfield2144]

If you're using a scoop the left to right sighting is the most important. You can easily compensate for the up or down on your shot

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching and the comment

[@tcswag801]

Always done the 100 But to each their own i guess . Good stuff brother ✌️

[@matthewconnor5483]

If shooting unknown distances between 0-300m having a 50m zero means you are always +/- roughly 2 inches the entire distance. This makes it very easy to score hits without doing any ranging.

[@zenadventurer69]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but if you set your 25 yard zero to hit 1.5 inches below the bullseye, you’ve effectively zeroing at 200 yards and need to hold over around 2” inside of 25 yards. Thanks…this was a great video and eliminated a lot of confusion as some people zero at 25 yards to hit bull and some people zero at 25 yards to hit 1.5 inches low.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Yes, you are correct. You can figure approximately 2 inches of hold over inside 25 yards. Zero at 200 would be approximate as well, depending on ammo. Glad the video helped.

[@markmalone279]

Couple things to keep in mind. If you're using carry handle/FSB irons, the large aperture is 2.5 (I think) MOA lower than the small aperture. Also, the elevation wheel is designed for use with either rifle length or carbine length FSB's. If you have a mid length, you'll need to do some math to figure out how many clicks equal how much height at a given distance. Probably won't matter inside your house lol.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

For home defense, I just zero on the large aperture and leave it. For everything else, I zero on the small aperture. I use the elevation drum a little different than most. I don't use the bdc on the side of the drum. I count clicks. Thanks for watching.

[@coryhoggatt7691]

Shorter zeros add larger shifts to POI when the weapon is canted. Real consideration in a home defense scenario.

[@cozycare1655]

Awesome explanation especially for home/self defense situation. Home Defense = point and shoot zero!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. Glad it helped.

[@cozycare1655]

@@PracticalAccuracy it’s perfect. Actually gonna zero my new build this weekend at the local indoor range.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

@@cozycare1655 Good luck.

[@sranney1]

Thx

[@randelldarky3920]

My set up is 100yds. Aim for center of chest. Near or far, You will hit vitals.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

thanks for watching.

[@greenstreet5287]

excellent

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.

[@DomoArigatoRobot0]

Thank you. I'll be getting comfortable with the 25 yd zero, 'cause I currently only have access to an indoor range, with the lanes going out to 25 yds. This is fine #FirearmRightsAreHumanRights

[@willyg7694]

Yup , my interior combat zero will be 7 yards with an approximate 2 inch offset. I would rather engage with my .45. Or .357 Mag. My longest exterior zombie shot due to obstructions would be 550 yards, but the average exterior zombie. combat area would be about 125 yards. Average wind direction and time of flight and likely moving target would mater at 550 yards and negate a shot. I would need a Mortar for that and probably 3 rounds to negate that threat.

[@Joe-oo3xv]

36 was the best for me. But whatever you pick just get it zeroed and make adjustments at different yardages. I have my scope zeroed at 36 and my optic at 10 for close quarters

[@jcnikoley]

I’ve always used a 300 yard battle sight zero. I know my hold off’s from point-blank to 600 yards, at home defense distances, all you’ll need to remember is to aim a little high.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks for watching. There are many ways to skin a cat and that zero works for you so no reason to change.

[@jmartin9059]

YES, Center of BARRREL 'bore' might be 2 inches 'or more' below top of sight post or center of optical sight. THIS DISTANCE CAN BE MEASURED and for shooting trapped or charging animals 'up close' we might do well to memorize it. Especially when shooting snakes "up close" & in the head, this matters. I USE THE SAME 300 YARD or 300 meter battle sight zero on my hunting carbine.... works for me. 5.56 are brutally loud. Shooting 5.56 in an enclosed space, without hearing protection, will result in permanent hearing damage and or deafness. Shooting 5.56 "or any centerfire" without hearing protection indoors, in an enclosure, or in a vehicle without hearing protection might cost you...your hearing.*

[@PracticalAccuracy]

@@jmartin9059 I agree 100 percent

[@PracticalAccuracy]

@@Allenmar73 15 to 25 yards if you have adjustable sights. generally, the factory zero will work on a pistol.

[@ashforkdan]

Remember to be leagal they need to be in the house. Because they're not a threat running away.

[@geodkyt]

As you rightly point out, it just ain't that big a deal, so don't suffer analysis paralysis trying to figure out which to use. But pick something and practice with it. Honestly, I use a 50/200 zero so the rifle is still capable of taking those longer range shots when I want to use the same rifle for recreation. So I use a consistent zero that *I* have practiced using across its range band. As for the offset, I've been allowing for the offset of an M16/AR15 at close range since 1987, so I don't have to think about it (it's really only going to be critical for a head shot anyway, as a 2" POA/POI drop isn't going to mean much on a "center rib cage" hold when you're freaked and probably not taking *one* shot anyway. 🙂 ) And, heck, I did fine on the pro mask quals, using the rifle like a shotgun and just looking across the sights (I never did like the 45° tilt technique the Army taught for close range shots - it took longer than just applying the same "Quick Kill" technique they taught us for CQB, i.e., treat it like a shotgun, and fire a controlled pair COM just looking across the carrying handle and front sight wings). Now, if *not using a proper sight picture at all* worked at 25m against F-type silhouettes (just the head and shoulders) through scratched up gas mask lenses without my glasses on, I'm reasonably comfortable saying the tiny delta between the general purpose zero i use on all my AR rifles (even the ones not devoted to home defense) and an "indoor specific" zero is not going make a lick of difference in the length of my hallway... and since *all* of my AR rifles then use exactly the same offset for a given range, if I need to make that 1 in 10,000 chance more precise shot (like, all I have for a target is half his face), so I don't have to remember, "Is this the rifle zeroed for "hairline = nose", or "eyebrow = nose" under stress. I just use exactly the same offset I've used to, say, clear a row of saltine crackers at close range for fun.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I would agree and your training is key.

[@fistteam]

Great video series on the AR-15 Andy! BTW, I noticed your hat says # “61”…Did you play football & maybe an Offensive/ Defensive Tackle?? That was my #61 throughout my HS Defensive Tackle days!

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I played football, but I was 83 and played both ways. tight end and middle linebacker Thanks for watching.

[@onpsxmember]

At the video suggestions at the end, a white background lacks contrast for the text overlay. Good video.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Thanks. I've changed the background and I'll keep it in mind in the future.

[@charlene2400]

I dial in for 25yds, which is longest range available to me, lol. Anyways, my property is 50yd by 50ft, with house centered. So, my only 50yd shot would be from the back alley to front walk, and highly unlikely.

[@nickscripps3993]

good explanation. I think that, outside of a hostage situation or something crazy, at 7 yrds you dont even really need sights. look where you want to shoot, raise the gun and fire and it'll likely hit close enough. Id be willing to bet thats what happens in a real self defense situation at that range anyways.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I would agree.

[@rascal0175]

A tip: Forget rear sight, just use front sight and let ‘er go. At close quarters you need speed more than accuracy. You’ll be accurate enough.

[@Brett235]

I have always zeroed my rifles at 25 yards. Wether it is my hunting rifle or my property defense rifle, the 25 yd zero works well. If I have time to aim in a home defense situation I will just aim high, because at 20 feet or less it's basically a point and shoot deal anyway.

[@justin_smith556]

My optic is zeroed at 36yrds. For down the hall distances though it really doesn't matter. Point shooting would be effective enough.

[@sBentonfamily]

Great practicle advice for a home defense weapon. Again, how many shoot regularly or ever at 300 yds. I would have to leave my neighborhood for a 200 yd shot. I chose a 100 yd . Any adjustment is a high hold. No impact is above the 100 yd zero. Without any adjustmenf umpact is 2.5 low at 25 yds, 1.7 low at 50 yds. On at 100. 2.5 low at 200. If you hold high chest below or above 200 yds you are Dead On.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

👍

[@lyfandeth]

If I'm not zero'd at 200 yards, how can I be expected to hit my from door when I'm down the hallway just inside the back door?

[@billbertagnoli4226]

I have a large multiple bird feeder that is a target for all types of vermin as well as the occasional bear. I zeroed my .22 with a target attached to the feeder.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

Now that's thinking.

[@ApexNick]

Living in the suburbs, home defense zero is half the distance of the longest distance you'd have to shoot, but highly irrelevant. In a suburban home defense situation, you usually won't have time to aim. Set up your weapon so that it shoots where you *point* it, if this isn't possible, get one that does.

[@truthseeker9561]

Rifle zeroing is new to me so please bare with me. the application for my rifle is home defense and deer up to 150 yrds. where I live, a deer shot will be 50- 150 yrds, never going over that 150 mark. Im trying to figure out what the best zero point would be for this. I was thinking 25 then you mentioned 36 and I realized This is above my pay grade lol Thank you for any suggestions ✌❤🙏

[@PracticalAccuracy]

50 is good, but 100 is the best. If you can't get a good zero at 100, don't sweat it. 50 will do well. I would not recommend 25 as your shots at 100 will be 6.5 inches high and shots at 150 will be 10 -11 inches high. 36 is not good either as shots at 100 will be 4.5 inches high and 5.5 inches high at 150. I was thinking of doing a video on this exact topic. Good luck

[@tjjanicke8558]

I zero at 40 yards. Its keeps you within 2.25 inches all the way out to 250 yards and a 6-8 inch holdover at 300 yards

[@brotherscoobs]

I use a 50/200 and have for years and have verified my holds out to 450 with a red dot/irons on my carbine

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I use 50/200 also. Thanks for watching

[@bingledorf]

50/200 is best for a simple red dot in cqb/urban and where ever else you can expect to not be fighting long range. impact will be within 2 inches of aiming point out to about 250 so no need to to hold over or under unless they're really far off. 100 is best for magnified optics in areas where long ranges are likely. scopes also often have ranging, wind, and other marks that are calibrated for a 100 yd zero so anything else would throw those off. i think 25 and 36 are completely useless for an AR. all they do is add an area in between near and far zero where your shots will rise so much that you need to aim low, which is just tedious.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I agree. I am planning on doing videos on this exact subject. Good comment.

[@Murderface666]

If a person has a perpetrator 300 yards away, that person's house better be getting peppered first to even attempt to argue self defense for a distance like that

[@PracticalAccuracy]

My point exactly. You don't want to be explaining that to the local prosecutor.

[@devildog1989]

The 25 yard zero only equates to a 300 yard zero if you have an elevation adjustable rear sight with the "Z" setting. You set it to Z, adjust your groups and then set the rear sight elevation drum to 3. If you do not have the ability to adjust for elevation on your rear sight and still use a 25 yard zero you will not have point of aim/point of impact again until 375 yards. In other words, it shouldn't be used for backup iron sights or optics without a thorough understanding of the trajectory of the round and the distance that you are likely to encounter.

[@PracticalAccuracy]

I agree. Thanks for watching